Eight former Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) members have resigned and applied for The People’s Alliance (PA) party ticket.
This was announced by The People’s Alliance party leader Sitiveni Rabuka and former Opposition Whip Ro Filipe Tuisawau at a news conference at the PA headquarters in Suva yesterday.
They are – Ro Filipe, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Inosi Kuridrani, Ratu Antonio Lalabalavu, Mitieli Bulanauca, Peceli Vosanibola, Ratu Tevita Navurelevu and Jese Saukuru.
Mr Rabuka said the former SODELPA MPs had been interviewed and confirmation of their candidacy would be announced soon, along with the final batch of the party’s candidates.
He also said the party would be announcing its manifesto and the remaining candidates next week.
Ro Filipe said it was unfortunate they had to leave SODELPA. He said “erosion of trust” was the main reason for their exit.
“It is unfortunate for the voters but it is inevitable and it is something we have to deal with moving forward in terms of achieving our political objectives,” Ro Filipe said.
He said they had looked at the most viable option in terms of establishing government — which was The People’s Alliance and the National Federation Party.
Ro Filipe said the move would impact on his former party but it was something that they needed to do.
“Moving forward it is like a breath of fresh air moving into this new environment. So I look forward to the acceptance by The People’s Alliance and campaigning under their banner.”
When quizzed about how many SODELPA members had resigned, party leader Viliame Gavoka said he could not confirm the number.
“We knew that they were going to resign and we were not worried at all,” he said.
Mr Gavoka said he did not expect Ro Filipe and Ratu Naiqama to be part of SODELPA going forward “because they did not have the interest of the party”.
